Mini “Giant” PC: AOpen MP965 Part 2

Last time I gave a brief description of features available on the AOpen’s MP965. As I mentioned in my previous entry, the MP965 is based on Intel’s GM965 chipset and uses the powerful Core 2 Duo (Santa Rosa) “brain.” So far, this is the best performing duo on the Mini-ITX market.

This time around, I will focus mainly on the performance side.

First, let’s talk about graphics capabilities. The GM965 includes the X3100 Graphics Media Accelerator, which supports several user significant features:

Full support for Vista Premium, including all the frills of Windows Aero

2048 x 1536 at a refresh rate of 60 Hz

Everything looks good in print, but the important information to most users are facts—in this case, benchmark scores.

I used several benchmarking tools to highlight the performance of the MiniPC. I will start with 3dMark 2006; the Mini PC” scores an impressive 404. When I tested the Intel 945GM-based mainboard with a 1.86 GHz CPU, the unit scored a whopping 136. In my opinion, the MP965 can easily replace your everyday desktop PC. Some of us will use it as part of our multimedia home theater, most of our customers for Digital Signage. I heard someone runs WOW on the MiniPC. The list is endless. To describe the PC in one word, it would be versatile.

For the next test, I chose the PassMark Performance test. This piece of software offers a wide variety of performance tests and it is free to download. In my opinion, this is one of the leading benchmarking tools for hardware testing and comparison. http://www.passmark.com/products/pt.htm

Again, when comparing the older 945GM chipset mainboards, the MP965 is 3 times faster.

What about how the speed in which you can read and write data?

My test drive (//www.logicsupply.com/products/hm160hi) spins at 5400RPM and scores around 117MB/s. The best part of it? It’s quiet and fast.

Last but not least, the CPU test. For testing purposes, I used Intel’s T7100 chip: //www.logicsupply.com/t7100-oem. The T7100 processor results are in red.

I compared a few of the most commonly used CPUs and as you can tell, there is no competition when it comes to Mini-ITX form factor. If you still own a Pentium 4 PC it’s about time to save some energy and money on your monthly electrical bill and join the Mini-ITX world.

The price tag might be a bit intimidating, but let me convince you why you won’t regret owning one of these. It is energy efficient (max 86W), so it saves you money while you work or play.

Quiet. How quiet? You won’t even notice that it’s on. I never measured the noise level, but when placed close to a 21dB fan, I would say the noise level is very comparable.

It will handle most of your applications and more. You name it, even Vista works great. Lastly, it does not look like your ordinary PC. It looks great and it is very functional. If you have one your desk I’ll bet someone will be jealous.

Let me know what you think about this entry. What tests would you add and why?